Judge Falls Asleep During Rape Trial

A judge is being investigated after he was accused of falling asleep during a child rape trial.

A complaint was made against Recorder Philip Cattan on the first day of a trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Barristers complained that the judge had fallen asleep as the first alleged victim was cross-examined. The trial was abandoned and must now start again.


The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said Mr Cattan could not comment while the matter was investigated.

A spokesman said the office was aware of the allegation and an investigation was under way.
Case relisted
 
Mr Cattan is a recorder - a barrister who spends between 15 and 30 days a year sitting as judge.

If he is found guilty of misconduct, any disciplinary action will be decided by the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice.

In the case Mr Cattan was presiding over, a man was on trial for raping a child and other sexual offences against children.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the case would be relisted as soon as possible, and that the complainants and other witnesses were being kept informed.